Responsive surfaces for biomedical applications

Abstract

Much of the interaction of a material with its environment is governed by its surface, and modulation of the materials surface characteristics can vastly broaden its range of application. This review focuses on the tailoring of surfaces of materials to achieve specific changes in their responses to external stimuli to enhance their prospects for applications in the biomedical field. Combining the inherent properties of different classes of materials such as polymers, metals, mesoporous materials, and magnetic nanoparticles with a responsive surface presents unique opportunities. Applications include surface-modified filters for the effective adsorption and separation of biomolecules, materials for the promotion of cell adhesion or detachment for cell sheet engineering and regenerative medicine, actuators, or valves, and vehicles for the controlled and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. The commonly used external stimuli are heat, pH, and light, and these, as well as electrical stimulation used in conjunction with conducting polymers, will be addressed in this review. Progress in the field of responsive surfaces has been rapid, and continuing research can be expected to result in more innovative and exciting developments. Nevertheless much work remains to be done to meet the challenges in the translation of these systems from the laboratory to clinical applications.